World Vegetarian Day & Vegetarian Awareness Month

Every year on October 1st, World Vegetarian Day kicks off a month of parties, potluck, presentations, food tasting displays…and lots of friendly discussions! For those new to vegetarianism, it serves as an enticement to give meatless fare a try (even for a day) and learn about its many benefits. And, of course, it’s the perfect occasion for vegetarians and those already moving towards plant-based diets to celebrate their healthy, compassionate food choices.

World Vegetarian Day was established as an annual celebration to promote the joy, compassion and life-enhancing possibilities of vegetarianism. The day was originated by the North American Vegetarian Society in 1977 and endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union in 1978.

#WorldVegetarianDay

• Lacto-ovo vegetarian – doesn’t eat meat but does eat eggs and dairy products
• Vegan – doesn’t eat meat products or any food that comes from animals
• Raw vegan – doesn’t eat foods cooked above 115 degrees F.
• Macrobiotic – eats only unprocessed vegan foods, including whole grains and fish occasionally
• Pescatarian – the only meat they eat is fish
• Flexitarian – eat mostly a vegetarian diet but meat on occasion